by L. Wilder
“Excuse me. The girl out front told me to come see you about the position you have for the… um... the str-dancer position.”
She couldn’t even say the word stripper. Red flag.
“By dancer, I hope you mean stripper because this is a strip club.”
A bright red blush crept over her face the second I said stripper. Red flag.
“Oh, yes. Of course.” She tried to recover by adding, “That’s what I meant.”
“Mm-hmm. You got a name?”
“Yes.” She smiled bashfully and tucked a strand of her silky hair behind her ear as she answered, “Aubrey. Aubrey… um... Cash.”
There was no way in hell that was her real name. Yet another Red flag.
I should’ve sent her packing right then and there, but I didn’t. There was something about this chick that had me thinking about Mallory. I’d tried to reach out to my sister many times over the years, but she’d made it clear that she had no interest in reuniting as brother and sister—I simply brought too many memories to the table. Even though she wanted nothing to do with the memories or me, I tried to keep an eye on her. I knew she bounced around from job to job, so I’d put money in her account from time to time. I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d ever considered working in a strip club, and if so, had she come face to face with a guy like me. If so, I hoped the guy would give her a chance to see it through. It was that very thought that kept me from sending this Aubrey chick on her way. Doing my best to play along with her charade, I asked, “So, you’re here about a job?”
“Yes.” She stepped over to my desk and offered me her application. “I was hoping to interview for the opening you posted.”
“Do you have any experience?”
“No, but I’ve been told I’m an okay dancer, and I’m a quick learner.”
“Being a quick learner isn’t going to get you very far in a place like this.”
Her eyes skirted to the floor as she inhaled a deep breath. It was as if she was trying to muster the courage to say whatever was on her mind. After several minutes, she looked up at me and said, "Peter Brant suggested that I come here if I ever needed a job.”
“Peter Brant?” I didn’t know the Brants all that well—just that they were Lynch’s grandparents who owned a diner out in Colorado. They’d come down when Lynch was patched in. It was easy to see they were both good people who loved their grandson, which made it that much harder on Lynch when they were murdered during a burglary at their diner. “He and his wife were killed over six months ago.”
“Yes, I’m aware. It was awful the way they died, but...I knew them before any of that happened. Look, I really need this job.” I heard the urgency in her voice, and I couldn’t deny it got to me. I wanted to know why Mr. Brant would suggest that a woman like her should come work in a strip club—a place she clearly didn’t belong. “I’m sure there have been lots of women who’ve applied for the position, and I’m sure they all would do an incredible job, but I give you my word that none of them will work harder than me. I just need a chance to prove it.”
Beautiful. Well spoken. Determined. I liked her, but the woman standing in front of me was no stripper. She was all class and could get a job anywhere, which intrigued me. I was curious as to why she was so desperate for a job. I shouldn’t have cared. It wasn’t my job to care, but I did. I wanted to know just how desperate she really was, so I said, “Okay, let’s see what ya got.”
“Excuse me?”
“Let’s see the moves. The goods.”
“You want me to strip? Right here? Right now?”
“If you can’t handle that, the door’s right behind you.”
Aubrey turned her head and glanced back at the door, and for a moment, I feared she’d bolt, but she didn’t. Instead, she inhaled a deep breath and slipped off her sandals. Her trembling fingers reached for the buttons of her shirt, and she started unfastening them one by one. Her eyes met mine as she slowly slipped the white cotton fabric over her delicate shoulders, letting it slide down her arms. That’s when it happened. All my good-guy, brotherly instincts went flying out the window, and my cock, which had been completely flaccid all morning long, stirred to life and started throbbing against my zipper. Fuck.
I wanted to look away, to have a moment to collect myself, but I was completely mesmerized as I watched her top drift down to the floor and pool at her feet. She was trying her damnedest to come off poised and self-assured, but I could see that glimmer of insecurity flickering in her eyes. Aubrey was clearly nervous, but she didn’t let that stop her from dropping her hands to her waist and unfastening the button of her jeans. With her baby blues still locked on mine, she lowered the zipper and hooked her thumbs in the waistband. I thought she’d simply stand there and undress, which suited my aching cock just fine, but then she started seductively swaying her hips from side to side, all the while slowly removing her jeans.
Her little show wasn’t like anything I’d expect to see on one of our stages, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t sexy as fuck. It was. There wasn’t a man on the planet who wouldn’t pay a pretty fucking penny to see her on stage, but that shit wasn’t going to happen. Hell, the mere thought of anyone else seeing her so exposed, so vulnerable made my stomach twist into an angry knot. When Aubrey reached behind herself and started to unhook her bra, I was done. I couldn’t take it a second longer, so I held up my hand and said, “Stop.”
“But—”
“I said stop.”
Parker
I couldn’t imagine feeling more mortified as I did standing there in front of the Stilettos’ manager in my bra and underwear. I don’t know what I was thinking going in there—I blamed the other applicants for my unexpected boost of self-confidence. Before going back for my interview, I’d overheard some of them talking about how they hated where they were working. Apparently, they were all tired of being harassed by their manager and hoped working at Stilettos would be the answer to their troubles. They all sounded so certain that things would be different, that they wouldn’t get screwed over working here and would be protected by the brothers. I didn’t know what they were talking about until it was my turn to go back to meet with the manager.
I was standing outside his office when I heard Mazie tell him about the issues she and the other girls had been dealing with at their other job, and he was pretty cool with her. Hearing that he’d help her out of a bad situation made me think Mr. Brant was right to send me here. Maybe these tough, badass bikers might have a good side to them—at least one of them did. I tried to hold on to that thought as I walked into his office and told him I was looking for a job. Sadly, that comforting feeling went flying out the window the second I started taking off my clothes.
I didn’t know the first thing about dancing or stripping. I’d never even undressed in front of a man—at least not in such an open manner, much less stripped for one in broad daylight. I was fairly certain Mr. Oh-so-sexy sitting behind the desk could see that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I was absolutely mortified. It might not have been so bad if he hadn’t been so damn good-looking with his stupid, smoking-hot build and piercing green eyes. He was one of those guys I could imagine seeing from across a crowded room and finding him staring back at me with one of those sultry expressions—like it was taking everything he had not to charge towards me and toss me over his shoulder, then carry me to his bed and have his way with me over and over again.
Sadly, he wasn’t looking at me like that. In all honesty, I didn’t know how he was looking at me. Maybe it was pity or just plain curiosity, but it certainly wasn’t with an animalistic desire flashing through his eyes. It made me want to crawl into a dark hole and escape this horrible nightmare that had become my life. As much as I wanted to get the hell out of there before I embarrassed myself even more, I couldn’t. I needed money and I needed it fast.
This job was the best way for me to do that, so I pushed, “I’m really sorry. I could try again. I just... if you...”
&nb
sp; “I’ve seen enough.”
“Oh, well... Okay.” I couldn’t have been more embarrassed as I reached down, picked up my blouse off the floor, and frantically started to dress. I couldn’t even look at him as I grabbed my jeans and slipped them on. I put on my sandals, and as I turned for the door, I said, “Thank you for your time.”
“I thought you said you needed a job.”
I stopped and turned back to face him. “I do, but—”
“No buts, Aubrey. Either you do or you don’t.”
“I do.”
“Then, sit down and let’s go over this application of yours.” I had no idea why he didn’t send me packing, but I wasn’t in a position to question his reasons. I needed the job, so I did as he asked and sat down. He looked down at my paperwork and said, “You haven’t listed a home address.”
“Because I don’t have one. At least, not yet,”
I never dreamed my life would end up like this. I’d always thought by the time I turned twenty-eight, I’d have a marketing job with my own office and my name on the door, a husband who adored me, and a kid on the way. I certainly never thought I’d be on the run with no money or a place to live. “I’ve only been in town for a couple of days, but I’ve been looking. It shouldn’t take long for me to find a place.”
“Mm-hmm.” There was that look again—the one where I knew without a doubt that he was seeing right through my bullshit, but he didn’t call me out. Instead, he just pressed forward. “Doesn’t look like you have much experience either.”
“Not in this line of work, but I do have experience in waitressing and—”
“Waitressing where? You didn’t list it.”
“It was with the Brants...at their diner, but like I said earlier, it was a long time ago,” I lied. I felt like I was digging a hole, and with every word I spoke, I was only making it bigger. I wanted to tell him the truth about the Brants, but I was scared that he and his brothers would blame me for what had happened to them. I couldn’t take that chance, so I told him, “I had quit when I went to college.”
“You didn’t list a college either.”
“Oh, yeah. About that...” My throat tightened as the panic started to set in. I’d already said too much, way too much. I knew what I should and shouldn’t say, so I had no idea why I continued to ramble on to this complete stranger. Something about this guy was making it impossible for me to think straight, and if I wasn’t careful, I’d blow everything. “I didn’t figure you’d be interested that I had a marketing degree.”
“I gotta say, I’m a little thrown by the fact that a woman with any degree would find it necessary to come here and work as a stripper.”
“For the same reason all those other women came in today,” I lied yet again. I couldn’t tell him that I was running for my life, and as soon as I got some money together, I would be taking off again. That thought had me fighting back my tears. I was tired of running. I was tired of being terrified every second of my life, but that wasn’t going to change—at least not any time soon. I swallowed the knot that was forming in my throat, then looked him dead in the eye and said, “Those women need the money, and even though this might not be the most idealistic way of going about it, they know it’s the best way to make it and make it fast.”
“Yeah, but the women who came in here today don’t have a problem showing their tits to a room full of men. Can you say the same?”
“Uh... No, I guess I can’t.” He was being crass, but he was right. I could barely take off my clothes for him. There was no way I could do it for a room full of drunken strangers, so I stood up and smiled as I said, “I won’t waste any more of your time. Good luck filling your positions.”
This time he didn’t stop me—at least not right away. I’d made it to the front door when I heard him call out to me, “Hey, Aubrey… Hold up.”
“Yes?”
I stopped and turned around only to find Mr. Oh-so-sexy looking at me with a slight smirk. “You said you did some waitressing for the Brants?”
“I did.”
“Were you any good at it?”
“Actually, I was.”
“Well, our waitresses don’t make as much as our dancers, but they do good... damn good. If you’re interested in giving that a go, then be back here tomorrow at four.”
“Really?”
“It won’t be easy. We get pretty busy, but if you can keep up, the job is yours.”
“Great! I’ll be here.”
He gave me a slight nod, then without saying anything more, he turned and went back to his office. As soon as he was gone, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was so sick of being afraid—sick of putting on a brave front. It was only a matter of time before I broke completely. But I was holding on to the fact that I was okay—at least for now. I just had to make it a few more weeks, maybe a month—two at the most, and then I’d have to leave once again. I’d have to leave everything behind and find yet another place to hide.
I continued out the front door and to the parking lot. I’d just gotten into my car and was about to shut the door when I heard someone shout, “Hey, Aubrey! Wait a minute.”
I jumped with a start, and when I whipped around, I spotted Marlowe, the girl from the bar, rushing in my direction. Dread immediately washed over me. This was it. They’d figured out I was a sham, and they were about to send me on my way. I held my breath as I got out of my car. I stood, then let the air slowly slip from my lips before I asked, “Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. Menace just mentioned that you were looking for a place to stay.”
“Menace?”
“Stilettos’ manager.”
“His name is Menace?”
“Yeah, it’s his club name. It’s something all MCs do.” Marlowe gave me a warm smile as she told me, “I have an apartment that’s available if you’re interested. It’s not much. Just a one bedroom, but you’re welcome to use it if you’d like.”
“Seriously?”
“Well, it’s just sitting there empty, and you need a place, so it makes sense for you to stay there.”
“But you don’t even know me.” I motioned my hand back over to the building “And neither does he.”
“You’re right, we don’t, but Menace is a really good judge of character.” She shrugged. “I don’t really know how he does it, but he has an uncanny way of seeing right through people. Anyway, this whole thing was his idea, so if you need a place, you have one.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I honestly can’t afford to pay rent right now.”
“Rent has already been paid up for the next three months, so you don’t have anything to worry about there.”
“But I can’t just live there for free.”
“Sure you can.” A soft smile crossed her face. “Look, I’ve been in a tough spot before too. It was hard to know who I could trust, but someone gave me a hand and helped me get on my feet. I’d like to do the same for you if you’ll let me?”
“Well...” I hated that I was in such a precarious situation. It would’ve been so much easier if I could’ve remained under witness protection, but after everything that happened in Colorado, it was clear the police couldn’t protect me. I had to find a way to stay alive on my own, which meant handling everything on my own, and so far, I wasn’t doing all that great. What clothes I had were in dire need of laundering, my fake ID was far from flawless, and what little cash I had was running dangerously low. I couldn’t begin to fathom why she or her boss would want to help a complete stranger, but I was in no position to turn them down, so I said, “Yeah, I’d love to use your apartment for a little while. It would really help me out.”
“Great! Just let me grab my purse, and I can take you over to see it.”
Without giving me a chance to respond, she turned and bolted back into the bar. I’d barely had a chance to think over what I was about to do when she came barreling out of the bar and to her car. Before she got in, she shouted, “Just follow
me. It’s only a few blocks from here.”
“Okay, I’m coming.”
I got in my car and followed her out of the parking lot. My mind was racing with doubts as we drove the several blocks over to her old apartment. There were times when I still couldn’t believe that I was in this situation. It was crazy how one night, one single moment, could change everything, but it could and it did. That night, my entire world was turned upside down.
“Just go, Parker,” Christina had pushed. “I’ll keep an eye on Mom until you get back.”
“I don’t feel right leaving when she’s so upset.”
My sister had glanced over her shoulder and let out a defeated sigh as she looked at our mother bundled up with her favorite blanket on the sofa. “She’ll be okay. She’s just ticked off at Dad.”
“Yeah, I don’t blame her considering Dad forgot their anniversary.”
A year and a half ago, my father’s law firm had taken on a client they shouldn’t have. My dad had been determined to get the guy off the hook and was spending hours upon hours at the office—and his legal aid, Janice, had been right there with him. Mom had been worried he was having an affair with her, but Christina and I knew he’d never cheat on her. Dad loved her too much for that.
“Well, he’s never forgotten before.”
“Maybe not, but you can understand why Mom is so upset.”
“Yes, but she’s worrying over the wrong thing. He doesn’t have any interest in Janice. He’s just obsessed with winning this case. It’s all he’s been able to think about, and I hate to break it to him, but I’m not sure it can be won. Everyone knows the guy did it.” Then Christina had turned her attention back to me. “But that doesn’t matter right now. You have a date, and if you don’t leave right this second, you’re going to be late.”